Evening everyone!
Betty asked me to provide an update on Hank. His blood work showed a moderately high white blood cell count and her vet recommended an ultrasound. The U/S was done today and Hank has several masses in his pancreas, one in his kidney, liver is affected, and other organs. The vet, her general vet, said it could possibly be lymphoma or it could be an auto-immune disease but he is leaning towards lymphoma. He is going to see if he can get Hank into a specialist tomorrow and Betty will need to decide what form of treatment she wants to have done if it is lymphoma. They may recommend a biopsy and if lymphoma is confirmed, treatment could be anywhere from prednisone (likely prednisolone) to chemo. He mentioned that Hank might need a night or two in the hospital with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) which is administered via IV since Hank is not able to keep anything down. He said the pred could help control the inflammation for a time being so Hank can at least eat and feel a little better and, if it is lymphoma, might help a bit with the masses but no promises.
As you can imagine, Betty is devastated and wants to spend every second with Hank right now. He is at home and he's resting quietly. She understands the urgency of some kind of treatment as soon as possible so Hank can have some relief and get some nutrition.
Please keep Hank and Betty in your prayers. Either she or I will update you as soon as possible.
Betty asked me to provide an update on Hank. His blood work showed a moderately high white blood cell count and her vet recommended an ultrasound. The U/S was done today and Hank has several masses in his pancreas, one in his kidney, liver is affected, and other organs. The vet, her general vet, said it could possibly be lymphoma or it could be an auto-immune disease but he is leaning towards lymphoma. He is going to see if he can get Hank into a specialist tomorrow and Betty will need to decide what form of treatment she wants to have done if it is lymphoma. They may recommend a biopsy and if lymphoma is confirmed, treatment could be anywhere from prednisone (likely prednisolone) to chemo. He mentioned that Hank might need a night or two in the hospital with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) which is administered via IV since Hank is not able to keep anything down. He said the pred could help control the inflammation for a time being so Hank can at least eat and feel a little better and, if it is lymphoma, might help a bit with the masses but no promises.
As you can imagine, Betty is devastated and wants to spend every second with Hank right now. He is at home and he's resting quietly. She understands the urgency of some kind of treatment as soon as possible so Hank can have some relief and get some nutrition.
Please keep Hank and Betty in your prayers. Either she or I will update you as soon as possible.
